Grading machine



May 28, 1929. .1. D/GRABILL GRADING MAQHIN E Filed Oct. "7, 41937 4 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Johwllarazizz,

May 281, 192 9. J D, GRABILL I 13155197 GRADING MACHINE Filed 001:. 7, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 gmxmtod :ronn 1). GRAIBILL, or woons'roox, VIRGINIA.

GRADING MACHINE.

Application filed October 7, 1927. Serial No. 224,664

This' inventionrelates to improvements in ii" radim machines and-more articularl has g e P J to do with machines for grading fruits "and a vegetables, especially apples and the like, and ofthe type in which is employed an endless traveling sizing chain or a, series of such chalns.

The Ob]6(3t of the invention is to provide an 4 improved machine of the general kind re- 1 ferred to that will operate in an efficient way to effect a thorough, rapid, satisfactory separation of the fruit, vegetablesfor the like into different sizes or grades Without injury thereto.

An important novel characteristic of the invention resides in the special chain supporting roll structure provided in combination with the particular construction of sizing chain whereby crushing of the fruit, vegetables, or the like between portions of the sizing chain andsupporting roll is prevented.

Another important feature of the inventionv lies in the special sizing chain structure and the particular construction of supporting roll in combination with a-transfer apron, the

particular construetion of sizing chain and supporting roll providing for the arrangement of the transverse apronsufliciently close to the outer face of the supporting roll so that wedging, clogging and crushing of the fruit,

vegetables, and the like, between the supporting roll and the adjacent end of the transfer apron, is avoided, and the passage of the fruit,

vegetables, or the like through the machine from one sizing chain to another is facilitated to a material extent.

The invention comprehends a chain su'pporting roll provided with channels in the outer face thereof cor-responding in size and arrangement to and adaptedto receive withinthe same the sizing chain structure as it passes over the roll.

A further object'of the invention is to provide an improved chain supporting roll of the character referred to and which will be of simple, light, strong, durable, lnexpensive construction, which will provide for the free .escape'of water and dirt from its channels and that will maintain its shape and channeled formation for proper cooperation with the sizing chain.

.The invention, with other objects, novel features, and advantages thereof will be unsection'.

F1gure'3 1s a detail sectlon on an enlarged ing part hereof and illustratingone embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure -1 is a top plan view of a grading machine construction in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a'central longitudinal vertical scale, of the roll at the delivery end of one of the sizing chains, the adjacent forward roll of another sizing chain and the transfer apron. V

Figure 4 is a detail view, on an enlarged scale, of a portion of one of the sizing chains.

Figure 5 is a detail View, on an enlarged scale, of a portion of the sizing chain structure with parts shown in section.

Figure 6 is a section on the line 66 of Fig ure 5 looking in the direction of the arrow.

Figure? is a section on the line 77 of Figure 5. 1

Figure 8 is a detail view, on an enlarged scale, of one of the supporting rolls for the sizing chain.

Figure 9 is a detail longitudinal section of the supporting roll structure illustrated in Figure 8. i

. Figure 10 is a transverse section, on an enlarged scale of the supporting roll illustrated in Figure 8.

Figure 11 is an end elevation, on an enlarged scale, of the supporting roll.

Figure 12 is a detail side elevation, on an enlarged scale, of one of the end sprocket wheel members of the roll.

Figures13 and 14 are detail views of one; of the detachable extension sections of the side boards.

WVhile a specific embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings, it will of course be understood that changes and variations. may be made in the particular construe tion shown, and the lnvention carrled out in other for'ms' as willappeal to those skilled in the art and falling within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention; 7

I Referring to a detail description of the particular embodiment of the invention illus- 'trated in the drawings, A designatesthe'main frame of the machine. This may be of any suitableconstruction, the same being shown,

in this instance, as comprising uprights 1 and upper and lower side rails 2, 3. Mounted on the upper part the frame A is a plurality derstood from the hereinafter contained de- 1 "5 tail description, when consldered 1n connection with the accompanying drawings formof endless traveling sizing chains having dif-- fe'rent sized grading openings, said sizing chains being arranged end to end in series progressively in accordance with the size of the grading openings therein and with the chain having the smaller size openings in ad- 1 vance. In this instance, two of such sizing members 8 similar in construction to the link longitudinal link members '5- are tubular -rod' members 4 consist of stout metal rods circular in cross section and having smooth outer faces. The longitudinal link members- 5, which are shown circular in cross section, may be formed from heavy Wire, said mem--- bers being provided with eyes6 at either end to engage the transverse rod members 4. On. the transverse rod members 4 between the members or sleeves 7 said members or sleeves whlle serving as spacing meansfor the long1-- tudinal link members 5 being rotatable on the transverse rod members 4. At either side of the chain is a set of outer longitudinal link members 5 and pivotally connected to the transverse rod members 4 at the outer end ortions thereof, said outer sets of link memers 8. with the. outermost of the series, of

links 5, and the outer end portions of thetransverse rod members 4 constituting outer marginal sections, designated D, to cooperate with'sprocket wheels. 9 designates spacing sleeves on the transverse rod members 4 between the longitudinal links 8 and the outermost of the series of link members 5. The transverse rod members.4 are provided at their ends with suitable retaining means, the

same being here shown in the form of integral heads on the rod members 4,-vand one of the transverse rod members being shown provided with a cotter pin .10.- I

[The supporting and driving means for the sizing chains B-C, comprises pairsof rolls 1112 and "sprocket wheels 13-14 located at 1 either end of said-rolls to cooperate with the side marginal sections D of the sizing chains B-C, said rolls and sprocket wheels being fixedly secured to shafts 151617, 18 respectively which are mounted in suitable bearings on the frame A. J

The arrangement of the pairs of supporting rolls 1112 is preferably, as shown, so

that the upper'stretch of the sizing chains are supported at an inclination, the shafts 16-18" of the rolls 12 being shown arranged above the horizontal plane of the shafts 15-17 of the rolls 11, and-the rolls 12 being of greater diameter than the rolls 11.

The forward "1 0115 11' of the sizing chains B-C, are shown with smooth outer faces, and

the sprockets 13 at the ends of said rolls -project radially outward-beyond the outer faceof the'same to engage the outer side sections D of. the sizing chains, the main part of the sizing chains that have the sizing openings 6 engaging over the smooth face of the roll. In accordance with my present improvements, the roll 12 at the delivery endjof each of the sizing chains B-C, is provided in-its,

outer face with circumferential channels 19 and longitudinal channels 20 corresponding, in size and arrangement to the open sizing chain structure to receive the same therein' -when passing around said'rolls; 'Also the diameter of the end sprocket wheel members 14 of the rolls 12 is substantially equal to that 4 a of said rolls, and the depth of the sprockets 21 of said end sprocket wheel members which are engaged by the outer end portions of the transverse rod members 4, is sufiicient so that the sizing chain structure in passing over the rolls 12, is received within thecircumferen- ".tial,andilongitudinal channels 19-20, with its outer face within the confines of or substantially flush with the outer face 'of'the said rolls. As the sizing chain passes around the roll 12, the-open sizing chain structure'is received within the circumferential and longitudinal channels l9'2 0 of'the roll and 1 the ortions '22 ofthe periphery of therolls 12 oundedby the said channels =1920, which substantially correspond in shape and size to the grading openings -6 of the sizing chain, as w ll be understood, enter the grading openings .6 of the chain, so that any of the fruit or vegetables that maybe extending partially through openings of the tsizing chain are forcedbythe portions 22 of the roll 12 upwardly out of the grading openings 6 to and supported at the upper side of the sizing chain whereby crushing of the-fruit or vegetables between portionsof the. sizing chain and the roll at the delivery end of the sizing chain. is prevented. The rotatable sleeves 7 on the transverse rods 4 ofthe sizing' ch'ain prevent wedgin'g of the fruit, vegetables orthelike' in the openingsof the chain, a

and also insure smoothness of operation in the movements of the portions-22 of the rolls 12 into and out of the sizing openings 6 of the, chain between the transverse rod members 4 th ercof.

Theconstr uction of the rollsv 12 illustrated; 1n the drawings comprises a central shaft meniber 23, and end sprocket wheel members 14 fixed to said shaft by screws 24 or other suitable means. The periphery of the-rolls arranged circumferentially inpa'rallel spaced relation and bridging the space between the end sprocket members 14. The bars or slats 25 are 'supportedand held fixed with relation '12 is made up of longitudinal bars or slats 25 to the end sprocket wheel members 14 by series of cross shaped ribs 26 on the inner in a central enin 28 to en a e the shaft b b b t? 23 and are arranged, as shown, inwardly of the end sprocket wheel members 14. In the particular construction shown, the supports 28 are held in position against longitudinal movement on the shaft 23 by brads 29 passing through the longitudinal bars or slats into the peripheral portion of said supports but any other means suitable for the purpose may be employed. 30-30 designates respectively bolts and nuts for tying the end sprocket Wheel members 14 together in tight interfitting relationship with the bars or slats 25, said bolts, as shown, extending longitudinally through suitable openings in the end sprocket wheel members 14 and the supports 28. In this particular embodiment of the invention, as will be understood, the lon-- g'itudinal channels 20 of the rolls 12, which are adapted to accommodate the transverse rod members 4 ofthe sizing chain, are provided by the spaces between the longitudinal bars or slats 25, the circumferential grooves 19 of the rolls 12, which receive the longitudinal series of link members 5-of the sizing chain, are provided by transverse grooves 25 in said longitudinal bars or slats. The longitudinal bars or slats 25 have rounded outer face portions 32, as shown.

In the composite construction of the rolls 12 hereinbefore described, the longitudinal bars or slats 25 and the supports 28 are ,con-

structed of wood, the end sprocket wheel members 14 being formed of metal. The re sulting structure is simple, light weight, and

inexpensive, at the same time it is of a strong,

serviceable nature, willretain its shape and channel formation to properly register with the transverse rod members 4 and longitudinal link members 5 of the sizing chain, and the open formation provides forthe ready escape of' moisture and dirt from itschain receiving channels.

Any suitable power means maybe employed for operating the sizing-chains BG.

W In the drawings a motor 33 is shown for this purpose. The motor'33, which is mountedon the lower part of the frame A, is connected by a belt 34 with a pulley 35 on the shaft 17 from which motion is transmitted to shaft 15 through the medium of a sprocket chain 36 engaging pinions 37-38 on shafts 15-16. The sizing chains B-C may be operated manually by a hand crank 39 adapted to be applied to one of the shafts 1518, the same being shown engaged with the shaft 18.

The machine is provided with a hopper 40 at its forwa d-end and with a suitable receiving table 41 at its discharge end. 42 are side boards extendingalongside the sizing chains B-C. for holding the fruit, vegetables or the like thereon. The side boards 42 are divided, asshdwn', to provide vertical openable sections so that the latter can fit close against the upper ed e faces of the side boards 42, said removable sections being provided with recesses 47 in their bottom faces to receive the bases of said clips, which latter are secured to the removable sections 44 by screws 48 or equivalent means. \The removable sections 44 with the openings or slots 23 in .the side boards 42 not only provide for the ready removal of the rolls 12 but-said sections extend along the endsof the said rolls, furnishing the necessary increased height of retaining board at this"point, permitting the side boards 42 to be of uniform and less height throughout the machine.

Between the pairs of supporting rolls 11, 12, at either side of the machine on the side rails 2 of the frame A are provided longitudinally'extending slide ways for the outer side marginal sprocket engaging portions D of the active stretch of the sizing chains BC, said slide ways comprising spaced rail members a, b the bottom rail-member Z) of ted aprons positioned below the upper" stretch of the sizing chains BC to receive and convey the fruit, vegetables or the like that may drop through the openings of the sizing chains to one side of the machine.

Aprons 50 are employedfor transferring the fruit, vegetables or the like from the sizing chain B to thesucceeding sizing chain C and from the latter to a receiving table41 at the discharge end of the machine. Inaccordance with the present invention, the for? Ward end of the aprons-5O are arranged close to the outer face of the rolls 12. This, as will be appreciated, is made. possible by the spey cial construction of the rolls 12 channeled to I receive within'the same the sizing chains BC. It is only necessary to allow sulficienh clearance for the operation of the rolls 12, and the aprons 50 can therefore be set? close tothe face thereof. This is of considerable importance since with the longitudinal links 5. and transverse rod members 4 of the sizing chains entered within the channels 19-20 of the rolls 12, and the aprons disposed close to the face of the roll, smaller size fruit, vegetables or the like will not be caught and crushed, between the transverse rod members 4 of the, sizing chain and the forward end of the apron. In the particular to the hopper 40 onto the first endless traveling chain B. The smaller sized apples drop through the grading openings in the upper stretch of the sizing chain B, the intermediate size apples being carried to and dropping through the openings of the succeeding chain C, and the large sized apples being carried by the chains BC to the receiving table 41,

the smaller and intermediate grades of ap-' ples that drop through the grading openings of the sizing chains B.C being delivered by the aprons 49 to one side of the machine.

What I claim is:

1. In a grading machine, an endlesstraveling sizing chain provided with sizing openings and having at either side thereof an outer marginal section to engage a sprocket Wheel, and supporting and driving means for the sizing chain comprisinga supporting roll provided in its outer face with channels arrangedto accommodate within the same the open sizing chain structure as it passes over said roll, and sprocket wheels at the ends of the roll engaging the outer marginal sections of the sizing chain.

2. In a grading machine, an endless traveling sizing chain provided with sizing openings and having at" either side thereof an outermarg'inal section to engage a sprocket,

wheehand supporting and driving means for the sizing chain comprising a supporting roll at the delivery end of said sizing chain provided in its outer face with channels arranged vto accommodate within the same the open sizing chain structure as it passes over said roll, and sprocket wheels at tlieends of the roll engaging the outer marginal sections of the'sizing cha1n..

, 3. In a grading machine, an endless traveling sizing chain'provided with sizing open- -1ngs and having 'at either side thereof an outer marginal section to engage a sprocket wheel, and supporting and drivingmeans for the I sizing chain comprising a roll at the delivery co end .of said sizing chain provided in its outer face with channels arranged. to accommodate with n the same the open sizing chain strucf ture as it passes over said roll, and sprocket wheelsat the ends of the roll engaging the onter'marginal sect ons of the sizing chain,

end thereof extending the sizing chain comprising a roll at the delivery end of the sizing chain provided in its outer face with channels arranged to accommodate Within the same the open sizing chain structures in its passage over said roll, a second endless traveling sizing chain, supporting anddriving meansfor the last mentioned sizing chain, in combination with a chute arranged to transfer material from the first mentioned sizing chain to the second sizing chain, said chute extending transversely with one end thereof close to the outerface of the roll at the delivery end of the first mentioned sizing chain.

5, In a grading machine, an endless travcling sizing chain comprising transverse rod members, series of longitudinal link members pivo-tally connected therewith and spaced to prov de grading openings, andsupporting and driving means for the chain comprising a-IOll having c rcumferential and longi- ,tudinal channels in its outer face to receive within the same the transverse rod members and longitudinal link members in the passage of the chain over said roll.

6. In a sizing machine, an endless traveling sizingchain comprising transverse rod members and series of intermediate longitudinal link members pivotallyconnected therewith and spaced to provide grading openings, and supporting and driwing means forthe chain comprising a roll at the delivery end of the chain having circumferential and longitudinal'channels in its outer face to receive within the same the transverse rod members and seriesof longitudinal link members in the passage of the chain over said roll. 7. In a sizing machine. an endless traveling sizing chain comprising transverse rod inembersand series of intermediate longitudinal link members. pivotally connected therewith and spaced to provide grading openings, and supporting and driving means for the chain c'omprising a roll at the delivcry \end of the chain having circumferential and longitudinal channels in its outer face to receive within the'saiiie' the transverse rod members and series of longitudinal link members in the passage'of the chain over said roll in combination with a transfer apron at the delivery end of the chain arranged with one close/to the outer face of said roll. ,c

L8. Ina grading machine, an'endless traveling sizing chain comprising transverse rod members, series ofintermediate longitudinaland spaced to provide grading openings, and

ion

said chain having at either side thereof anouter marginal section to engage a sprocket wheel, and supporting and driving means for the chain comprislng a roll havlng circumferential and longitudinal channels in its' outer face to receive within the same the transverse rod members and longitudinal link members in the passage of the chain over said roll, and sprocket wheels at the ends of the roll engaging the outer marginal sections of the chain.

9. In a sizing machine, an endless traveling sizing chain, said chain comprising transverse rod members, series of intermediate longitudinal link members pivotally connected therewith and spaced to provide grading openings, and a set of outer'longitudinal link members pivotally'connected with outer end portions of the transverse rod members at either end thereof,'said outer longitudinal link members being spaced from the outermost of the first mentioned series of longitudinal link members to cooperate therewith and with the end portions of said transverse rod members to constitute side sprocket chain portions, and supporting and driving means for the s1z1ng chain comprising a roll at the delivery end of the chain provided with circumferential and longitudinal channels to mounted on the transverse rod members between the longitudinal link 'members, and supporting and driving'means for the chain comprising a roll at the delivery end of the sizing chain having circumferential and longitudinal channels in its outer face to receive within the same the transverse rod members and series of longitudinal link members in the passage of the chain over said roll.

11. In a grading machine, an-endless traveling sizing chain, and asupporting roll for the chain comprising end members, longitudinal bars interposed between the end members and forming the periphery of the roll,

saidend members and the said longitudinal bars at the ends thereof having portions interfitting to hold the bars against movement relatively to the end members, means ex-.

tending longitudinally of the roll inwardly of said bars for-securing the end members and bars together, said bars beingsp'a'ced and provided with transverse grooves in their outer faces, the spaces between the bars and the said grooves being adapted to receive within the same the sizing chain structure when the same passes over the roll,

12. In a grading machine, an endless travehng sizing chalp and 'supportlng and dr1v-" ing meanstherefor i'ncludinga shaft, a roll fixed on the shaft and constituting end members, bars interposed in spaced relation between the sprocket wheels and forming the periphery of the roll, said sprocket f'wheels interfitting to hold the bars against movement relatively to the sprocket wheels, and

rods extending longitudinally of theroll inwardly of said bars for securing the sprocket 13. Ina grading machine, an endless traveling sizing chain, and a supporting roll for V75. and said bars at their ends having portions the cha1n comprising end members, longitudinal bars interposed between the end mem- I bers and forming the periphery of the roll, said end members and the said longitudinal bars at the ends thereof having portions interfitting to hold the bars against movement relatively to the end members, means extend ing longitudinally ofthe 1-011 inwardly of said bars for. securing the endmembers' and bars together, said bars being spaced and provided with transverse grooves in their outer faces,,the'spaces between thebars and the sald grooves being adapted to receive within the same the sizing chain structure when the same passes over the roll, and sup- Porting means for the'zbars on said shaft in -.1oo 14, In a grading machine, an endless traveldriving termediate the end members.

.ing sizing chain, and supporting and means therefor nclud ng a shaft, a -roll-on said shaft comprising sprocket wheels fixed on the shaft and constituting end members,

bars interposed in spaced relation between the sprocket wheels and formingthe periphcry of the roll, said sprocket wheels ands'aid bars attheir ends having portions interfitting to hold the bars against movement rela-- tively to the sprocket wheels, rods extending longitudinally'of the roll inwardly ofsaid bars for securing the sprocket wheels and bars in tight interfitting relation, and circular supporting pieces on the shaft intermediate the sprocket Wheels for supportingsaid bars.

15. In a grading machine, an endless traveling sizingchain, and supporting and driving means therefor, including a shaft,*a roll'on said shaft comprising sprocket wheels fixed on the shaft and constitutingend members,

bars interposed in spaced relation between the said sprocket Wheels and forming the periphery of the roll, said sprocket wheels having angularly'related rib portions projecting from the sides thereof, and the ends of said bars being-provided With angularly related grooves to interfit with the said rib portions of the sprocket wheels, and rods ex tending longitudinally of theroll inwardly 70 on said shaft comprising sprocket wheels I 1 so l Wheels and bars in tight inter-fitting relation.

of said bars. for securing the sprocket wheels and bars together.

- 16. )In a grading machine, an endless travelingfl' sizing chain including transverse rod members and series of intermediate longitudinal link members pivotally connected therewith and spaced to provide grading openings, and supporting means for the chain including aroll comprisingend members, longitndinal bars secured to the end members and forming the peripheral part of the roll, said bars being spaced from each other. and provided in their outer faces with transverse grooves, the spaces between the said transverse barsand said transverse grooves there- 1n bemg adapted to receive within the same the transverse rod members and longitudinal link members of the chain when the same passes over the roll. w

17, In a grading machine, an endless traveling sizing chain including transverse rod members and series of intermediate longitudinal link members pivotally connected therewith and spaced to provide grading "verse grooves, the spaces between the said transverse bars and the said transverse grooves thereln belng adapted to receive within the same the transverse rod members and longitudinal link members of the chain when the samespasses over the roll.

1,8; In a grading machine, a main frame, a

I grading chain, supporting and driving means I signature.

the main frame, means on the shaft for engaging the chain, bearinis for said shaft located on the upper side of t e frame, side boards on the frame, said side boards being divided to provide openings at either side of the frame to provide for the removal of the saidshaft', and side board extension sections adapted to fit upon the upper side edge faces of the side boards and bridgesaid openings, said extension sections being provided with substantially U-shaped clips to embrace the 7 side boards and hold the same in place thereon.

19. In a grading machine, an endless traveling grading chain having sizing openings, and a supporting roll for the chain comprising end members and longitudinal bars extending between and secured to the end members, said bars being spaced from each other and provided with grooves in their outer faces, the spaces between the bars and the said grooves being adapted to receive within the same the sizing chain structure when the same passes over the roll.

20. In a grading machine, an endless traveling sizing chain-provided with sizing openings, and supporting and driving means for the sizing chain comprising a supporting roll at the delivery end of the sizing chain provided in its outer face with channels arranged to accommodate within the same the open sizing chain structure as it passes over said roll, in combination with a transfer apron at the delivery end of the sizing chain having one end thereof disposed close to the outer-faceof said roll.

. In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my 'JOHN D. GRAB-ILL. L 

